The University of Miami’s Research Vessel F.G. Walton Smith will be one of two ships used to execute the elaborate plans that the CARTHE team has designed for LASER. Lucky, Captain Shawn Lake and the Smith crew have extensive experience working in the Gulf of Mexico. The R/V Walton Smith was actually the first research vessel at the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and has gone back several times since the disaster.

Photo credit: Marlena Skrobe

Captain Shawn shared with us some of the logistics involved for an extended cruise:

– Consult with Chief Scientist / Principle Investigator to develop a voyage plan. Some times this involves several meetings. In this case, it also included discussions with the crew of the second ship, MascoVIII.

– Loading of science gear 1-3 days before departure and integrating with vessel data systems.

– Provisioning. Plenty of coffee and ice cream. In reality, cost allowed per person is between $17 and $18 a day.

– Top off fuel, water, lube oils, and take on other supplies engineering and deck departments may require for repairs and general maintenance.

– Cleaning interior and setting up cabins for the scientists…Clean Linens!